The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) was established in 1945 and aims to achieve international collaboration in the fields of education, science and culture. UNESCO is a key contributor to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, adopted by the UN General Assembly in 2015. Currently responsible for the preservation of 1073 World Heritage sites in 167 countries, UNESCO’s founding vision includes protecting the past in hopes that it will benefit the future. Furthermore, UNESCO leads efforts to ensure quality education globally with its wide network of institutes. 

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UNESCO plays an active role in the Arab States through its support for preserving rich cultural and natural heritages that carry shared values and embody the common future of humanity. The organization's primary function in the region is to support peace-building and reconciliation initiatives while realizing its founding mission to strengthen and support civil society, human rights, and free speech. It has helped the Arab States in cultural peace by working vigorously for dialogue, mutual respect, and freedom of expression. In addition, UNESCO provides innovative educational pathways in the regions where the ongoing conflict has left thousands of children uneducated. Moreover, it fosters the scientific knowledge that is essential to respond to climate change and preserve biodiversity.